Immigration New Zealand Sets Family Inclusion Rules for PRV

Immigration New Zealand has published the conditions under which foreigners can include their partners and dependent children in applications for Permanent Resident Visas (PRV). A person must hold a resident visa continuously for at least two years before applying for a PRV.

Family members included in the original resident visa application can be added without needing to meet the "commitment to New Zealand" requirement, although they are still assessed individually on character and identity. Non-principal applicants cannot receive a PRV before the principal applicant unless they apply simultaneously or under specific circumstances such as separation, divorce, or the principal applicant's death.

For family members not part of the original application, they must hold a resident visa for at least 24 months and meet all standard PRV requirements independently. Including these family members does not guarantee them permanent residency even if the principal applicant's application is approved.